Writer's Block, Sore Wrist, Polymer Clay, Glass, and Beads....That's a lot to talk about, or not!

Yes, I'm stuck.  I've been stuck for a few days, and, so far, there's been no relief.  Writer's Block.  I'm really stuck!

My wrist is still sore.  I have another doctor's appointment next week.  I just want this to get better.  It still hurts.  Ouch!  Like I said, I'm stuck here, too. 

Polymer clay is sitting around waiting to be made into something.  Problem is, even if I carry the clay in my clothing to soften, and I am very gentle when I work the clay, my wrist hurts.  It's very sore now.  I wish it weren't, but some days, you just have to do something.  Today was that day, but I think I'll be sorry tomorrow.

Glass:: I only wish I could turn a mandrel with my wrist.  No chance.  I am so sorry for that.  I love glass!  I want to melt glass.  Looks like it's going to be a while yet.

Beads:: I want to make beads.  Yes, this is a whine, and I would like some cheese with it.  Ouch!  My wrist hurts even as I type.  Ouch! 

Whine over.  What's new with you?

Time to make Some Christmas Jewelry!

These are some of the beads that I will be using for my Christmas jewelry.  I hope to make a dramatic necklace, a subtle bracelet, and some AMAZING earrings!  This will be an interesting challenge.

Ok, I have 4 more photos to show you.

You know there had to be some green in this set.  I love the mixture of greens in these beads.  Very pretty.

These beads are very lightweight.  I plan to intersperse these as bits of shock beads for the jewelry.  I want them to be where you don't think they should be. 

This "Mother and Child" heart bead is what I will use for the focal, but since there is no sparkle so, I'll have to do something about that.  I think it needs sparlies!

I added some glitter to the focal.  Truly, it looks better in person than in this photo. 

All I have to do now is seal this heart so the glitter doesn't come off.

















These are my components. 
Soon you'll see what I did with them.
How would you use these components?

Day 15: 31 Day Writing Challenge:: AWESOMENESS:: More on Beads

I know that for everyone,

AWESOMENESS 

is not found in making beads of any kind.

Creativity comes from using the beads,

painting the beads,

using beads in jewelry.

Others find the 

AWESOMENESS

of beads

just by looking at them,

touching them,

collecting them.

For me,

I am happiest when 

I make beads.

I find that to be an

AMAZING activity.

Look at these polymer clay beads.

I used copper leaf on the outside of the beads.

I made these beads using copper, too.

This time, 

I mixed the copper 

INTO the clay

before I made the beads.

Look at the sparkles!

I love both effects.

Do you see what I mean?

I find this AMAZING

and 

pure

AWESOMENESS!

Day 13:: Writing Challenge:: AWESOMENESS:: Beads

This blog is called

"For the Love of Beads,"

and 

I would be remiss if I didn't talk about my favorite subject.

I've been making beads for almost 9 years now.  

Those are the glass beads that I have been making for that long.  

I have only recently started making polymer clay bead.

There have been issues that forced me into polymer clay because I needed the creative act of bead making to help me through some very difficult times that continue.

I have now fallen in love with polymer clay and all it's possibilities.

If you look at this pile of beads, 

you'll see what I mean.

I've sorted out most of the beads.

There are birds of a feather, but of different colors and sizes.

I don't care if it's glass or clay,

I love making discs.

These discs will fare well in the jewelry that I envision with them.

Then there are focals.

Each one is unique.

(I can't seem to make two beads alike no matter how hard I try.

Glass or clay,

It doesn't matter.)

Soon, I'm hoping that I'll be able to get back to glass, but I don't know when that will be.

It doesn't matter,

Glass

or 

Clay.

AWESOME!!

Ok, Now About Heather Power's Cane Boot Camp!!!!! It's AWESOME!!!!!!

I have to admit, I was stunned when I received the invitation to join Heather Power's online class, "Cane Design Boot Camp."

Heather had offered a scholarship for her class as a way of paying things forward.  I applied, but I decided that the odds were against me, but it would be nice if I won.

Guess what!!!!  Through the generosity of Heather who had decided to give 1 scholarship, I was awarded one of the 3 person's who were awarded a scholarship!  I am so grateful.  It's an amazing class so far. 

This is the first cane I made in Heather's class.  I am thrilled beyond words with it!!!

Now, let me show you the beads I made using this cane. 

This bead was made with the pile of scrap cane that I had made.  See the spiral?  That was an extra cane I made.  So far, I am thrilled with this class. 

I made these beads with the cane.
I love! Love! Love!  This cane boot camp.

Do You Think That Featuing "Sea Themed" or "Beach Themed" Items for an Early Decemeber is Too Early?

Fine Print:: Not really, but...
The photos you see will be photos of prototypes I am working to develop.

I'm working with polymer clay as I work on these beads.  The beads are not finished yet.  I'm being drawn to beach or sea themed beads.

I have a show in early December.  Do you think it's too early to feature pendant shells?  Should I focus more on Christmas beads?  I'm not sure.

I also plan to make glass sea themed focal beads. 

What do you think?

My show is a 3 day show during the first weekend of December.  

My Beads in 10,000 years...

Close your eyes and follow along with me.  (Wait!  You might have to open your eyes to read this!)

The setting is 10,000 years in the future.  Where you used to live has been discovered and is beginning to be uncovered in the slow process of a dig.  The archaeologist in charge is inspecting the artifacts that the intern has found.  The intern is slowly brushing away the years of dirt and grime in which these beads were enclosed. 

"Sir, what do you suppose these artifacts were?  They've survived all these years in the ground.  How did they get here?"

The archaeologist took the beads in his hand and held them tenderly. 

"I'm not sure," he said.  Perhaps this was a rendering of the dwelling we have found.  It's odd though.  This race of people were quite advanced for their day."  You'd think this rendering would be more realistic and not so primitive."

"Sir," cried another intern.  Look what I've found.  I believe it was a, I forget the word, toy?  Doll?  A child must have engineered this."

The archaeologist looked at this artifact.  "I wish I knew what this material was.  Back in those days, they had a material called 'plastic?' I think that was the term, but I don't know how a child could have made this artifact."

"I don't think a child made this artifact," said the intern.  "It looks like a child made it.  Perhaps the maker of this, this, doll?, was impaired."


The dig continued on that side of the house.

 The archaeologist began to work in earnest with his students.  He saw a small portion of this structure protruding from the wall of the home?  Both he and the intern dug around the object until the object was free of its encasement.  They gently removed the artifact and began to clean it.  The rain was falling very gently.  This made the object easier to clean.  The colors were still there.  They gently held this object in their hands. 

The intern broke the silence.  "Do you think they cooked in this small pot?"

"Well." said the archaeologist, if they did, they were very small people, but I don't think so.  I am beginning to think that all of these artifacts were made by a single person.  I also think that they were religious artifacts.  I cannot see a single use for them if they were not.  This artist, though, must have been a beginning apprentice."

Well, I wish I had been there to tell them about this art form.  They are prototypes!!!!  Okay!!!  Sheesh!  I'm glad I won't be around in 10,000 years.

You Don't Like Beads?

I have a dear friend who doesn't wear beads.  She wears a chain with a religious medal on it for jewelry.  I think that's wonderful!  However, I was stunned when she told me, "I really like your work, but I don't like beads."  Huh?

My jaw dropped.   You don't like beads?  I had never heard ANYONE say that before.  It's like when you hear a mom say that her child doesn't like peanut butter.
I can understand a child who has a peanut allergy not liking peanut butter, but there aren't many kids with out that particular allergy who don't like peanut butter.  

She doesn't like beads.  I'm going to have to get used to that idea.  I've been involved in the beading community for so long now that this revelation of hers came as a shock to me.  She's the first person I have ever met that doesn't like beads.  I still like her.  We're still friends, but, she. doesn't. like. beads?  Wow!  That's a first for me!  Do you like beads?

Here are a couple of good groups on Facebook where you can see a lot of beautiful beads!

Lampwork Beads for Sale:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/lampworkbeadsfs/
Lampwork Bead Market:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/598912806868591/

You have to join the groups to buy or sell or just look at the eye candy, but it's worth it. 

She doesn't like beads?  I'll have to get used to that. 

30 Words Thurday - Beads

Is there anything better than beads?

Mine are all handmade.

And now,

My Etsy store is fifty per cent off to make way for more beads.

Snuck in a commercial!

From Erin's Blog

Treasures Found Inspiration is Everywhere.

30 Words Thursday: Grab an image (preferably one you shot or one you have permission to use). Write exactly 30 Words (no more, no less). Post it.

If you would like to participate in the 30 Words Thursday with me, 

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.

(InLinkz code will be open for one week.) Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Olives, Schmolives! I Hate Olives, Except....

There are green olives.........

There are black olives.....

I'm sure there are other kind of olives...

Olives, Schmolives,

I. HATE. OLIVES!

except

When it's a bead!

Do you like olives?

So, I Joined a Popular Exchange on Lampworketc, and Accidentally put Myself into 2 Groups!

The idea behind "You Pick," which is now in it's 14th run,

is for each person to submit a photo and the rest of the people in the group draw inspiration from that photo and make a bead.

There are usually 16 people in a group, 

so, unless you make yourself a bead,

you make 15 beads for other people.

You receive 15 beads from your group.

Well, I accidentally signed up for two groups this time.

So, I will be making more beads than I expected.

However, this is a fun exchange.

It helps to inspire and develop creativity.

I am in both Group 1 and Group 3.

There are 16 people in Group 1 and 13 people in Group 3.

So, that's 29 beads to make, and I had better get started.

Here are the photos I am going to be inspired by this time.

Group 1

Group 3

This is going to be fun!

Easy Peasy Crochet Necklace Tutorial

Would you like to make this crochet necklace?  You can do it.  All you need to know how to do is a simple chain stitch.

Here's what you need.

Nylon crochet cord size 3
Crochet hook Size H/8
Seed Beads
Assorted Beads
(I used some of my orphan lampwork beads for this necklace.)














Here's what you do:

1) String one yard of beads on your cord.  I left the cord on the spool.  I did not cut it until the necklace was finished.   The pattern I used was 8-15 seed beads, one orphan bead.  I did this until I had one yard of beads strung on the spool.

 

2) I began the necklace with 5 chains, then I added a bead.  The pattern I used was 5 chains, crochet one bead.

3) At times, I would crochet two seed beads together, rather than just one, for visual interest.

4) I chained until all of the seed beads were crocheted on to the cord.  

5) I joined the ends together with a single crochet.  I then knotted the end, adding a drop of glue to secure the knot.

At this point, you can trim the ends.  I had about 6 yards of chain in this necklace.  When the knot is dried, stretch the crochet.  Fold and wear.

 

Fun and easy to do!!

 

Attention All Beadmakers!!! Beads of Courage is Having an Event in Minneapolis This Month! Come Join us if you can!

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota Bead Makers,

Please come join us to make beads for Beads of Courage on September 21st.  

We need YOU!!! 

More information will follow later, but you can certainly contact me about this, too. 

I think Malcolm is going to put up a sign up sheet on his website.

Click 

HERE 

for Malcolm's website.

Even if you can't make it,

there will be a team link coming up soon and you can

torch at a distance, 

and that will include 

ANYONE.

Again,

contact me by leaving a comment! 

Hope to see you on the 21st!

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop Reveal

I carefully went through my stash!

One particular kind of bead that I have been

hoarding

is the charm bead.

I have participated in many charm exchanges over the years,

and they have accumulated!

(The one thing I did forget to do is to take a photo of the charms before I made this necklace.)

So, I put on my thinking cap. 

How do you design a piece of jewelry that will accommodate

all of those beautiful charms?

Well,  I've always wanted a

Junque Necklace!

And here's what I did!

I took my charms and added a few odds and ends that I have had sitting around.  

I really like it.

It's a piece of jewelry that has it's place in the scheme of things.

Now, here's the photo of me wearing it,

I love it!!!

How fun is that?

Now, off you go.

Here's the list of the other participants in the

Bead Hoarders Blog hop.

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
65.  Tracie Dean, Dean Designs
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

So, What Would You Do?

I'm starting to list more polymer clay in my Etsy store.  If you checked out my store, you will see that I have an eclectic set of listings ranging from glass beads to my newest item, my little gardens.  Items that I have made from polymer clay are also listed and there are more to come.  So, my question becomes this,
with over 300 items listed in my Etsy store, should I reduce that number by opening a second store devoted to polymer clay?
I'm really torn on that one.  Polymer clay is a different medium, but the end result, beads, is the same.  I don't know.  What would you do?  What are the pluses and minuses that you see?  Help?

So, what does a trip to the hardware store and bead making have in common?

A very happy me!

New techniques,

new tools,

from mandrels and wire 

to varnish and sandpaper.

Sigh!

It was a great trip!

Some Interesting Things in My Shop!

I've got seed beads I'm destashing.

I hope to add more soon.

If you click

HERE

you will find these beads.

If you click 

HERE

you will find these fibers and more!

I Have to make roses!  I'm waiting for spring!!!

If you want to see these roses, click

HERE.

Want some breakfast?

Click

HERE

to see these beads.

Do you like your discs ruffled?

Click

HERE

to see these.

If you click

HERE

you can go right to my Etsy Store!

Have fun!!!

Quick Toggles

I've reached an age where I no longer use 

lobster clasps or hooks on my jewelry.

I only use 

toggle clasps 

because of their ease of use.

Sometimes, when I make a piece of jewelry,

I realize 

I don't have a toggle to use.

I have resorted to making my own.

Here are some ideas that can help you.

They are easy to make and can lead you to much more creativity in your work.

I have made toggles using a big hole bead and 16 gauge wire for the post.

I have taken a bit of chain.  Removed one link.  Made a post.

See?  A toggle!

 

 You can take a washer and use that for the toggle.

Add a piece of 16-18 gauge copper wire for the post,

and you have a 

toggle.

You can take a washer,

stamp it,

texture it,

Add 16-18 gauge wire for a post, 

and you have, 

what?

A toggle.

Just a caution,

you can also use steel washers, but just know that you will probably wear yourself out trying to texture and/or stamp a steel washer.

My suggestion to you would be to add a patina to it,

seal the patina,

and use a silver plated wire for the post.

You can use a simple shape and make your own toggle. 

or...

You can buy one from me!!!

Click

HERE

to see this owl toggle!!!

I hope this post has given you some good ideas to propel you into using something ordinary and turning it into something

extraordinary!!